UNIT/MAINTENANCE Safety, Fuel Safety

UNIT/MAINTENANCE SAFETY

S Look for and replace damaged or loose parts before each use. Look for and repair fuel leaks before use. Keep unit in good working condition.

SThrow away blades that are bent, warped, cracked, broken, or damaged in any other way. Replace trimmer head parts that are cracked, chipped, broken, or damaged in

any other way before using the unit.

S Maintain unit according to recommended procedures. Keep blade sharp. Keep cut- ting line at the proper length.

S Use only 0.080” (2 mm) diameter Weed Eatere brand line. Never use wire, rope, string, etc.

SInstall required shield properly before using

the unit. Use the metal shield for all metal blade use. Use the plastic shield for all line trimmer use.

SUse only specified blade or trimmer head;

make sure it is properly installed and se- curely fastened.

S Never start engine with clutch shroud re- moved. The clutch can fly off and cause se- rious injury.

SBe sure blade or trimmer head stops turning when engine idles.

SDisconnect the spark plug before perform- ing maintenance (except carburetor adjust-

ments).

SMake carburetor adjustments with the low- er end supported to prevent blade or trim- mer line from contacting any object. Hold unit by hand; do not use the shoulder strap

for support.

SKeep others away when making carburetor adjustments.

S Use only recommended Weed Eater ac- cessories and replacement parts.

S Have all maintenance and service not ex- plained in this manual performed by your Au- thorized Service Dealer.

FUEL SAFETY

SMix and pour fuel outdoors.

SKeep away from sparks or flames. S Use a container approved for fuel.

S Do not smoke or allow smoking near fuel or the unit or while using the unit.

S Wipe up all fuel spills before starting engine. S Move at least 10 feet (3 meters) away from fu-

eling site before starting engine.

S Stop engine and allow it to cool before re- moving fuel cap.

S Empty the fuel tank before storing the unit. Use up fuel left in the carburetor by starting the engine and letting it run until it stops.

S Store unit and fuel in area where fuel vapors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.

CUTTING SAFETY

SInspect the area to be cut before each use. Remove objects (rocks, broken glass, nails, wire, string, etc.) which can be thrown or become entangled in the blade or trim- mer head.

SKeep others including children, animals, by- standers, and helpers at least 50 feet (15 me-

ters) away. Stop engine immediately if you are approached.

SAlways keep engine on the right-hand side of your body.

SHold the unit firmly with both hands.

SKeep firm footing and balance. Do not over-

reach.

S Keep blade or trimmer head below waist level.

SDo not raise engine above your waist.

S Keep all parts of your body away from blade, trimmer head, and muffler when en- gine is running.

SCut from your right to your left.

SUse only for jobs explained in this manual.

TRANSPORTING AND STORAGE

SStop the unit before carrying.

SKeep muffler away from your body.

SAllow engine to cool and secure unit before storing or transporting it in a vehicle.

SEmpty the fuel tank before storing or trans- porting the unit. Use up fuel left in the carbu- retor by starting the engine and letting it run

until it stops.

SStore unit and fuel in an area where fuel va- pors cannot reach sparks or open flames from water heaters, electric motors or switches, furnaces, etc.

SStore unit so the blade or line limiter cannot

accidentally cause injury. The unit can be hung by the tube.

SStore unit out of reach of children. SAFETY NOTICE: Exposure to vibrations through prolonged use of gasoline powered hand tools could cause blood vessel or nerve damage in the fingers, hands, and joints of people prone to circulation disorders or ab- normal swellings. Prolonged use in cold weather has been linked to blood vessel dam- age in otherwise healthy people. If symptoms occur such as numbness, pain, loss of strength, change in skin color or texture, or loss of feeling in the fingers, hands, or joints, discontinue the use of this tool and seek med- ical attention. An anti-vibration system does not guarantee the avoidance of these prob- lems. Users who operate power tools on a continual and regular basis must monitor closely their physical condition and the condi- tion of this tool.

SPECIAL NOTICE: This unit is equipped with a temperature limiting muffler and spark arresting screen which meets the require- ments of California Codes 4442 and 4443. All U.S. forest land and the states of California, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, Ore- gon, and Washington require by law that many internal combustion engines be equipped with a spark arrestor screen. If you operate in a locale where such regulations ex- ist, you are legally responsible for installing and maintaining the operating condition of these parts. Failure to do so is a violation of the law. Refer to the SERVICE section for maintenance of the spark arrestor.